Florida Chic

Last year's Best in Show at Concours d'Elegance at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island.

For classic elegant car aficionados, this weekend’s international car show at the The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, is the place. The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance is now in its 16th year and is considered the most prestigious show on the East Coast. Collectors consider it one of the big events of the year along with Pebble Beach in California, Meadow Brook in Michigan and Louis Vuitton Classic in midtown Manhattan. This year the competition will include an estimated 15,000 enthusiasts who will walk the Concours on Sunday, Ritz-Carlton says.

This year they will see 255 high-quality rare cars competing for ribbons in the Concours d’Elegance, which literally means “a competition of elegance.” Collectors, who are invited to the show, watch as a team of judges rate their cars for authenticity, function, history, style and quality of restorations. Any imperfection results in a fractional point deduction.

Why do collectors subject themselves to the rigor of a Concours competition? For some it is a hobby; they are proud to own a piece of history and want to share their car with other enthusiasts. For others, it is a business investment that can offer a higher return than the stock market. Last year’s auction sold more than $19 million in rare cars in a single day. But for all, it is a social gathering that celebrates automotive history.

Acknowledging the growth and stature of the Concours d’Elegance, Katharine Monahan, the current general manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island says, “The vision of an event that draws an international audience was realized with the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. Now as one of the most prestigious car shows in the United States, we are honored to be a sponsor and host this truly international event.”

Tickets for the 16th Annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, March 11-13, are $45 for adults purchased in advance and $50 the day of show. Student ages 12-20 are $20 and children under 12 are admitted at no charge when accompanied by a paying adult. Event tickets can be ordered in advance at www.ameliaconcours.org or can be purchased at the door.